Ice melter

ABSTRACT

Ice melting apparatus having an elongated vertically disposed body member with a melting head at the lower end which is heated by a flame to melt the ice. The heat is concentrated near or within the melting head and exhaust gases are expelled through an exhaust passage. The generated heat melts a hole in the ice conforming generally to the configuration of the melting head which in most cases is circular.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of patentapplication Ser. No. 09/628,886, which is a continuation-in-part ofpatent application Ser. No. 09/415,659 filed Oct. 12, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to apparatus for forming a hole in ice andmore particularly for such apparatus to be used by ice fisherman forforming and maintaining a hole in the ice covering a body of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One of the unpleasant problems confronting an ice fisherman isthe formation of a hole in the ice which can be difficult to accomplishparticularly when the ice is thick. The use of hand implements such asaxes, chisels, augers, and ice drills not only requires a great amountof physical exertion, but rarely result in satisfactory openings. Poweraugers require physical exertion in starting and operation, can bedangerous to operate and contribute to the pollution of the water andair. All such tools require regular maintenance in order to keep theblades sharp. Additionally, all of these ice cutting methods areundesirable because of the resultant particles or ice swarf that isdeposited in and around the hole that is formed.

[0004] There is a need for an apparatus to form a hole in the ice with aminimum of effort, pollution and without the formation of particles ofice in and around the hole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus forforming holes in the ice in which the apparatus is easily transportedand operated.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus forforming holes in ice by melting the ice through the use of heat in theform of a flame.

[0007] Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatusfor melting a hole in the ice which uses apparatus having a heatingsource utilizing a commonly available source of fuel.

[0008] The objects of the invention are attained by an ice meltingapparatus that has a body member which is held vertically with a lowerend or melting head placed in contact with the top surface of a layer ofice. The lower end of the body member is heated to melt through the iceby way of a fuel and air passage which extends longitudinally of thebody member with a gas burner that is preferably at or near the lowerend or in the ice melting head so that flames are formed near where theheat is desired. Exhaust gases are directed upwardly through an exhaustpassage and then outwardly away from the operator. In a first embodimentof the invention the melting head is generally annular and melts the iceon the perimeter of the hole leaving some ice in the center which can beremoved easily. In a further embodiment the melting head presents acontinuous, nonannular surface which melts the ice completely in thedesired hole. The shape of the ice melting surface can be conical,spherical, elliptical, flat, or any other applicable shape, andadditionally may have grooves, fins or a projecting tip portion.Internal devices such as baffles and heat sinks can be used in the icemelting head to increase efficiency. In additional embodiments theapparatus is disclose as including: a combination fuel/air supply line,a flame ignition system; at least one arm to prevent the apparatus fromfalling through the hole formed in the ice; at least one handle forgrasping the apparatus; and, waterproof thermal insulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention shown together with a fuel supply;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of the upper portion of theice melting apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a front elevation of another embodiment of theinvention;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken longitudinally of thestructure in FIG. 3;

[0013]FIG. 5 is an elevation of still another embodiment of theinvention;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken longitudinally of thestructure in FIG. 5;

[0015]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment ofthe invention showing a concentric arrangement of a fuel supply tubewithin an air supply tube;

[0016]FIG. 8. is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment ofthe invention showing exhaust ports and means of preventing theapparatus from falling through the ice;

[0017]FIG. 9. is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment ofthe invention;

[0018]FIG. 10. is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment ofthe invention showing waterproof insulation mounted on the side of theapparatus; and,

[0019]FIG. 11. is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment ofthe invention showing the use of an igniter for the torch.

[0020]FIG. 12. is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment ofthe invention showing a reduced exhaust area.

[0021]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment ofthe invention showing a t-shaped burner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the invention isdesignated generally at 10 and includes an elongated body member 12formed by a pair of generally parallel tubes 14 and 16. The body member12 is disposed generally vertically and the lower end of the tubes 14and 16 are connected to a melting head 18 having a substantially annularconfiguration extending in a horizontal plane to one side of the lowerend of the body member 12. Preferably, the melting head is circular,however, it is understood that it may be constructed in a variety ofconfigurations including: flat, oval and rectangular. Thus, while acircular shaped ice hole is preferred, other designs may also be meltedthough the ice based upon the shape of the melting head.

[0023] The tubes 14 and 16 and melting head 18 form a continuous passageextending from the upper end 20 of tube 14 which acts as a supplypassage, through the annular melting head 18 and through the exhausttube 16 which acts as an exhaust passage. An upper end 22 of tube 16 isbent outwardly to divert exhaust gases away from the operator. Thoughthe preferred embodiment of the present invention has two tubes 14 and16, it will be apparent from this disclosure to those skilled in theart, that one tube may be used, or a multitude of tubes connected bymeans well known in the art may be used for this purpose. In such anembodiment, the connection means must also be resistant to temperaturechanges and leakproof when submerged in water.

[0024] It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure, that tubing of various cross-sectional shapes may be used.The efficiency and strength of the present invention could be altered bythe variation of the cross-sectional shape and size of these tubes.

[0025] Preferably, the tubes 14 and 16 and the melting head 18 areformed of heat resistant metal such as stainless steel, steel, copper,aluminum or brass. Any and all joints should be heat resistant andleakproof when submerged in water.

[0026] The lower end 20 of tube 14 is provided with a gas burner ortorch 24 which is mounted axially of the lower end of tube 14. The upperend of torch 24 is connected by a flexible hose indicated at 28 to afuel supply tank 30. Alternatively, the hose may be a rigid pipe such asa copper tube. The fuel can be of a type commonly available and used inother applications and accessories commonly used by ice fisherman suchas torches, lanterns, stoves and heaters. Among such fuels are propane,butane, LPG, acetylene, pressurized white gasoline, ethylene or anyvolatile hydrocarbon.

[0027] The apparatus is used by igniting the torch 24 which is under thecontrol of a valve 32 disposed between the fuel supply tank 30 and thetorch 24. The air and fuel can arrive at the torch 24 separately ormixed and is ignited near the bottom of the tube 14 and near or in themelting head. The touch can be ignited while inside the tube 14 oroutside the tube 14 followed by insertion into tube 14. The ignited airand fuel in tube 14 is directed sidewardly through the annular meltinghead 18. The flame heats the head 18 which rests on the ice. The upperend of apparatus 10 is guided manually by the use of heat insulatedhandles 34 formed on the upper ends 20 of tube 14 and on exhaustextension 22 on the upper end of tube 16.

[0028] The heating of head 18 continues with exhaust gases passingthrough the tube 16 and the exhaust extension 22. If desired the exhaustgases can be diverted to heat other devices or enclosures.

[0029] In use, the burner 24 is adjusted to emit fuel which is ignitedto create a flame to heat the melting head 18. The melting head 18 isplaced in a selected location on the ice. The hot melting head tends tomelt the ice and to form a hole having a shape conforming to the outerconfiguration of the melting head 18.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a further embodiment of theinvention is designated generally at 10 a and includes an elongated bodymember 12 a formed by a pair of generally parallel tubes 14 a and 16 a.The body member 12 a is disposed generally vertically and the lower endof the tubes 14 a and 16 a are connected to a melting head 18 a having asubstantially annular configuration extending in a horizontal plane toone side of the lower end of the body member 12 a. This embodiment issimilar to that shown in FIG. 1 with the exception that it is upper end21 a, rather than the lower end 20, of tube 14 a that includes a gasburner or torch 24. In operation, the ignited air and fuel in theheating passage or supply tube 14 is directed downwardly through thetube and into the annular melting head 18.

[0031] As seen in FIGS. 3-11 the shape of the melting head can conical,elliptical, hemispherical, truncated, conical, flat, or essentially anyother applicable shape. A projecting tip, grooves or fins may also beprovided on the melting head to more efficiently heat and melt the ice.Additionally, the melting head may have baffles or heat sinks to improvethe overall efficiency of the present invention. As will be shown,supplies of fuel and air may be combined into a single line or remainseparate prior to combustion. Igniters such as piezoelectric or batterygenerated sparks, pilot lights or catalytic elements may also be usedwhether the torch is ignited inside or outside the apparatus. Theignited fuel can be of a type commonly available and used in otherapplications and accessories commonly used by ice fisherman such astorches, lanterns, stoves and heaters. Again, among such fuels arepropane, butane, LPG, acetylene and pressurized white gasoline, ethyleneor any volatile hydrocarbon. Preferably, these embodiments are alsoconstructed of heat-resistant metal such as stainless steel, steel,copper, aluminum or brass. Furthermore, all joints should be heatresistant and leakproof when submerged in water. The resultant hole isfree of ice particles and is easily maintained in an ice free conditionby repeating the heating and melting process when needed. Each of theseadvancements may be used alone or in combination with the variousembodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 inwhich the ice melting apparatus 40 has a cylindrical body member orhousing 42 closed at its lower end by a conical melting head 44. Theinterior of the cylindrical housing 42 is provided with a longitudinallyextending baffle 46 which extends for substantially the full length ofthe housing and divides the interior into a fuel and air supply passage48 and an exhaust passage 50. The baffle 46 has a lower end portion 52which is bent to one side to divert fuel and air flow at the lower endof passage 48 such that the flame tends to begin at this point and isconcentrated at the melting head 44. The upper end of the baffle 46 isprovided with an end portion 54 the is bent opposite to the lower end 52and diverts exhaust gases away from the upper end of the cylinder 42 andfrom the operator of the apparatus.

[0033] A torch or burner 24 of the same type as that used with theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be mounted at the upper end of cylinder42 in the entrance to passage 48, the torch can be connected to a sourceof fuel as shown in FIG. 1. Insulated handles 56 may be provided at theupper end of the body member 42 to assist in maintaining the device 40in a vertical position. In use, the housing 42 is held vertically andthe melting head 44 is placed in a selected location with the apex ofthe cone shaped head 44 on the ice. After the flame is formed to heatthe melting head 44, the ice is melted and a hole is formed having acircular configuration generally conforming to the cylindrical housing42.

[0034] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6in which the ice melting apparatus 70 includes a melting head 72. Themelting head has a semi-spherical lower wall 74 for contacting the ice.Preferably, the upper portion of the semi-sphere is closed by a flat,horizontal wall 76. A first tube forms a fuel and air supply passage 78.A second tube forms an exhaust passage 80 extending generally parallelto each other. The lower ends of the tubes are rigidly connected to wall76 to communicate with the chamber 82 formed in the interior of themelting head 72. The tubes forming the passages 78 and 80 form a bodymember which extends generally vertically during use.

[0035] The fuel and air passage 78 can be provided with a burner 24 inthe same manner as shown in FIG. 1. Insulated handles 34 can also beprovided in the same manner as in the version shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] In use, the apparatus 70 is supported vertically with the lowerwall 74 resting on the ice. The fuel is ignited and the resultant flameis concentrated to heat the melting head 72. As the ice is heated andmelted, the apparatus 70 moves downwardly to form a hole having agenerally round configuration conforming to the shape of the upperportion of the melting head 72.

[0037] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 7, in whichthe ice melting apparatus 82 has a cylindrical body member or housing 84that is closed at its lower end 86 by a substantially planer meltinghead 88. A top cap 90 is preferably removably affixed to the upper end92 of the housing 84 and defines a central air intake opening 94.Alternatively, the top cap 90 may be constructed as part of the housingor otherwise permanently fixed to the housing 84. Preferably, a tubethat serves as an air passage 96 extends longitudinally downward fromthe opening 94 for substantially the full length of the housing 84. Atubular fuel supply line 98 having a diameter less than that of theopening 94 and air passage 96 extends downwardly into the air passageand includes a fuel nozzle 100 at its lower end. Preferably, the fuelline 98 is a rigid metal tube and is removably mounted to the airpassage 96. However, it is expected that flexible tubing may also beused or that the line 98 may be mounted to the cap 90.

[0038] In use, the apparatus 82 is held vertically and the melting head88 is placed in a selected location on the ice. Alternatively, a holder101 may be adapted to secure the apparatus 82 in a substantiallyvertical position on the ice. Preferably, the holder 101 comprises acylinder 103 have a flange 105, or alternatively a plurality of legs,radially mounted to its base. In operation, the apparatus 82 is placedin an upright position within the cylinder and permitted to melt throughthe ice surface. Handles, top cab 90 or similar objects project from theapparatus 82 acts to prevent submersion of the apparatus below thesurface of the ice. It is anticipated that the holder 101 may beconstructed of various shapes (i.e., square, rectangular, oval, etc.)and adapted for use with any of the embodiments of the presentinvention. The holder 101 has the advantage of permitting the user toperform other tasks while a hole is melted through the ice.

[0039] After a flame 102 is formed to heat the melting head, the ice ismelted and a hole is formed having a circular configuration generallyconforming to the cylindrical housing. The flame 102 is under thecontrol of a valve 104 disposed between a fuel supply tank and the flame102. Exhaust from the flame 102 circulates upwardly through the exhaustpassage 106 that concentrically surrounds the air passage 96 and exitsthe housing through at least one exhaust vent 108 defined by the upperend of the housing 84 and the top portion 90.

[0040] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 8, in whichthe ice melting apparatus 110 has a cylindrical body member or housing112 that is closed at the lower end 114 by a conical melting head 116. Acombined fuel and air passage 118 is mounted to the housing 112 througha top portion 120. The passage 118 extends downwardly from the topportion 120 for substantially the full length of the housing 112. Atleast one exhaust port 122 is defined in the upper end 124 of thehousing 112 to transmit hot exhaust from the exhaust passage 126.Preferably, at least one arm 128, such as a disc extending radiallyoutwardly from the housing 112, is affixed to the exterior of thehousing 112 to prevent the apparatus from falling through the hole thatis melted into the ice. Alternatively, at least one or a plurality ofarms may extend outwardly from the exterior of the housing 112.Preferably, the arms are disposed below the exhaust port 122 to preventwater from entering the interior of the housing 112.

[0041] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 9, in whichthe ice melting apparatus 130 has a cylindrical body member or housing132 that is closed at its lower end 134 by a substantially planarmelting head 136. Alternatively, the melting head may be provided with atip portion 138 that assists in positioning the apparatus 130 on theice.

[0042] The interior of the cylindrical housing 132 is provided with alongitudinally extending baffle 140 which extends for substantially thefull length of the cylinder and divides the latter into a supply passage142, including a combined fuel and air passage 144 and an exhaustpassage 146. The baffle 140 has a lower end portion 148 which is bent toone side. The passage 144 extends through the end 148 so that the flamefrom the burner is concentrated at the melting head 136. The upper end150 of the baffle 140 is provided with an end portion 152 bent oppositeto end 148 to divert exhaust gases away from the upper end of thecylinder 42 and from the operator of the apparatus.

[0043] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 10, in whichthe ice melting apparatus 160 has a cylindrical body member or housing162 that includes a melting head 164. The melting head has asemi-spherical lower wall 166 for contacting the ice. The upper portionof the semi-spherical wall is enclosed by a flat horizontal wall 168. Aside 170 of the upper end 172 of the housing 160 extends and is benttoward the opposite wall 174 to divert exhaust gases away from theoperator of the apparatus 160. A fuel air supply tube 175 is mountedthrough the bent portion of the side 170 and extends downwardly throughthe interior of the housing 160 for substantially the full length of thecylinder. Preferably, waterproof insulation 176 is disposed on the sidesof the apparatus to minimize heat from the flame from being transmittedthrough the walls of the housing 160. This insulation has the benefit ofimparting a more cylindrical shape to the hole as it is formed in theice.

[0044] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 11 in whichthe apparatus 180 includes a melting head 182. The melting head 182 hasa substantially planar surface that includes a tip portion 184 to assistin positioning the apparatus 180 on the ice. The upper portion 186 ofthe melting head 182 is closed by a flat, horizontal wall 188. A tubeforms air supply passage 190. A fuel supply line 192 having a diameterless than that of the air passage 190 extends downwardly through thepassage 190 and includes a fuel nozzle 196. Another tube forms anexhaust passage 194 that extends upwardly from the melting head 182 andgenerally parallels the air passage 190. The air and exhaust passages190, 194, in combination with the melting head 182, form a body memberwhich extends generally vertically during use.

[0045] In use, the apparatus 180 is supported vertically with the planarsurface resting on the ice. A fuel ignition system, such aspiezoelectric or battery generated sparks, pilot lights or catalyticelements, is disposed in the air passage 190 proximate the end of thefuel supply line 194 to ignite the fuel and create a flame 200. Once thefuel is ignited, the resultant flame is concentrated to heat the meltinghead 182. As the ice is heated and melted, the apparatus 180 movesdownwardly to form a hole having a generally round configurationconforming to the shape of the upper portion of the melting head 182.

[0046] Apparatus for forming a hole in ice by melting has been providedin which a gas-fueled flame is used to heat a melting head placed incontact with the ice to form a hole conforming to the shape of themelting head which generally is circular. The hole formed is free ofswarf and it is formed without the need for physical strength on thepart of the operator. Though not illustrated in the accompanyingfigures, handles may be provided to make the use of the presentinvention more comfortable.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 12 there is shown a further embodiment ofthe present invention wherein the walls 210 of the housing 212 extendinwardly from the melting head 214. This arrangement has the advantageof restricting exhaust flow and tapping additional heat in the meltinghead 214. A further advantage of this embodiment is that the reducedarea of the housing decreases the buoyancy of the housing 212 andpermits the apparatus to remain on the ice surface (instead of floatingon the melted water) as the ice is melted.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 13 there is shown a further embodiment ofthe present invention including an elongated body member 220 formed by apair of generally parallel tubes 222 and 224. The body member 220 isdisposed generally vertically and the lower end of the tubes 222 and 224are connected at diametrically opposed points to a melting head 226having a substantially annular configuration extending in a horizontalplane to one side of the lower end of the body member 12. A burner 228is mounted at the lower end of the tube 222 such that burning fuel isdirected in both to the left and right around the two halves of themelting head 226 to reach the tube 226. The exhaust from the burner thenexits the body member 220 via tube 226. Alternatively, a second burnermay be disposed in the tube 226 and a plurality of exhaust tubes may beconfigured to extend upwardly from the melting head 226.

[0049] Having described my invention, however, many modificationsthereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which itpertains without deviation from the spirit of the invention. Forexample, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art to surround thedevice of the present invention, or parts thereof, with insulation toprevent heat loss and thus make the present invention more efficient.

1. Apparatus for forming an opening in ice covering a body of water,comprising: an elongated housing adapted to be supported in a verticalposition and having upper and lower ends with said lower end adapted forcontact with the ice, a supply passage formed in said housing adaptedand communicating with said lower end, a burner mounted within saidsupply passage, said burner communicating heated gas from said burner tosaid lower end, and an exhaust passage formed in said housing fordirecting exhaust gas away from said lower end, whereby said lower endis operative to contact and melt an opening in the ice.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein said supply passage and exhaust passage are formed bya unitary, continuous tube.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein saidlower end is generally circular about an axis extending vertically tothe ice and having an outer diameter substantially equal to the hole tobe formed in the ice.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said supplypassage is parallel to said axis.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 where saidexhaust passage extends radially outward from an upper end of said body.6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein heat resistant handles are formed onsaid housing.
 7. The apparatus of claim I wherein heat resistant handlesare formed on said housing.
 8. The apparatus of claim I wherein saidlower end is a closed chamber having a configuration conforming to thesize of the opening to be formed in the ice.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7wherein said chamber has a semi-spherical wall for contacting the ice.10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said chamber has a substantiallyplanar surface, said substantially planar surface including a tipportion for positioning said apparatus on the ice.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said housing further comprises waterproof insulation.12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said housing further comprises atleast one arm extending outwardly from a exterior wall of said housing.13. The apparatus of claim I wherein said lower end includes a flatbase.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said supply passage and saidexhaust passage are positioned at opposing points of said lower end. 15.An apparatus for forming an opening in ice covering a body of water,comprising: an elongated housing adapted to be supported in a verticalposition and having upper and lower ends; a melting head formed at saidlower end of said body member for contact with the ice; a heatingpassage formed in said body member and communicating with said meltinghead; a burner mounted at said lower end of said body member andcommunicating with said heating passage for delivering burning fuel fromsaid burner to said melting head; and an exhaust passage formed in saidbody member for directing exhaust gas away from said melting head, saidmelting head being operative to contact and melt an opening in the ice.16. The apparatus of claim 15 where said melting head is an annulusformed by at least one tube.
 17. Apparatus for forming an opening in icecovering a body of water, comprising: a housing adapted to be supportedin a vertical position, said housing having a lower end adapted tocontact the ice, a supply passage and an exhaust passage, said lower endincluding a semi-spherical wall, said supply passage extending from saidlower end and said exhaust passage extending from said lower endparallel to said supply passage; and a burner mounted within said supplypassage, said burner communicating heated gas from said burner to saidlower end.